When Rangers were linked with a move for Jerry Yates late last year, reports indicated that the Ibrox outfit would have dig rather deep.
Blackpool, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, wanted £5 million for a striker who has enjoyed quite the rise; from the depths of League Two to the first page of the Championship’s goalscoring charts.
Rangers, however, were reportedly unwilling to part with much more than £2 million. Understandably so.
Mick Beale is facing up to quite the overhaul this summer, a handful of key players in need of replacing. What’s more, with Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Filip Helander, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and co all departing on free transfers, it’s not as if Rangers will see their budget enhanced by an array of big-money sales either.
So the prospect of spending £5 million on one player – at a time when a new goalkeeper, a couple of new midfielders, a winger and a centre-half are also required – is certainly one that would have raised eyebrows.
Can Rangers bring in Blackpool’s Jerry Yates?
But the good news is that, for Blackpool, relegation from the Championship now feels more inevitable than a sprinting scene in a Tom Cruise blockbuster. As such, the Tangerines may no longer be negotiating from a position of such strength.
Steven Dobbie’s side are six points from safety with only three games remaining. Relegation could even be confirmed as early as this weekend.
In truth, Blackpool probably would be on their way back to League One already if not for Yates’ fizzing finishes. 13 goals is a more-than respectable tally. For a striker leading the line for a club mired in the drop zone, especially.
Mick Beale has spoken openly about his desire to bring in a striker capable of giving Rangers something ‘different’ in the final third. Yates ticks that box. He is more mobile than Antonio Colak, and more versatile than Morelos. Willing to run the channels, drift out wide and press from the front.
“He’s good at everything,” Yates’ former Swindon Town coach Richie Wellens tells the EFL Highlights Show. “He has got decent pace, he can hold the ball up.
“He’s a fantastic professional that wants to get everything out of his career.”
Yates will have only 12 months remaining on his contract come July. Blackpool may have wanted a damn sight more than £2 million when reports of Rangers’ interest emerged in the autumn. But – with his contract running down and with relegation on the way – do not bet against Rangers getting their way.
